Iowa State Penitentiary

Iowa State Penitentiary is located in Ft. Madison, part of Lee County Iowa.  It is the only maximum security institution in the State of Iowa and can house around 934 inmates.  Most of the offenders who are incarcerated here are violent repeat male offenders.  John Bennett Unit is under the management of Iowa State Penitentiary and is a medium security institution located adjacent to the main prison.  John Bennett Unit houses approximately 170 offenders.  Both facilities have substance abuse treatment and Alcoholics Anonymous groups.

Like other institutions in Iowa, the State Penitentiary offers inmates a variety of educational and vocational courses.  Inmates can take academic classes to earn an adult basic education and GED.  Special education is available for inmates who require it.  Vocational activities in culinary arts, machining, printing, automotive repair, upholstery, and providing a labor force for a farming operation that includes cattle, swine and crops.  This facility also participates in the prison industries which gives inmates both vocational skills and a small hourly wage for their labor.

Visiting Hours at Iowa State Penitentiary:

Visitation at the Maximum security/main facility and John Bennett Unit are on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 8am-4:30pm.  You must arrive prior to 3:30pm or you will not be allowed to visit.  Inmates are also allowed visitation on Holidays from 8:30am-4pm.

Physical Address:

Iowa State Penitentiary
3 John Bennett Drive
Fort Madison, IA 52627

Telephone:

(319)-372-5432

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Iowa State Penitentiary
P.O. Box 316
Fort Madison, IA 52627